Keep Out the Chill: 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a long-time CNY resident, or have only experienced a couple of winters here. All it takes is experiencing one winter to know that this season is no joke. Temperatures can drop rapidly, and the snow can start flying with little notice. With unpredictable winters come necessary preparations—especially when it comes to your home. Check out our list below to make sure your home will be warm and cozy all season long, so you can count down the days until summer in comfort.

1. Prepare your heating system

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to have your heating system inspected. You’ll want to be sure that everything is in working order before the cold weather settles in. This includes giving your furnace a test run to be sure it turns on when needed, replacing the air filter, and having your heating vents cleaned. If you have a furnace that runs on propane or oil, make sure the fuel storage tank is filled up and ready to go—the last thing you want is to run out of fuel in the middle of a cold night.

2. Add Insulation

A heating system that’s ready to run smoothly throughout the winter is important, but it won’t do you much good if your home isn’t properly insulated. All that toasty heat will dissipate in no time if the cold air finds a way in. Have insulation added to your basement and attic—and wherever else cold air is finding its way into your home. A trusted design-build contractor will be able to determine where insulation is needed most, and they’ll get the job done right. This investment will save you in the long run, as properly installed insulation will allow your heating system to run more efficiently, which will cut down on your energy bill.

3. Have storm doors installed

Properly installed storm doors can make a huge difference in the energy efficiency of your home when the cold wind starts to blow. A storm door will protect your home’s main entry door from the elements. It also adds an extra layer of protection from the cold, and helps keep out any pests that may be looking for a warm haven as the temperatures drop.

4. Protect your pipes

Insulation goes beyond the walls of your home—you’ll want to make sure any exposed pipes, located in places like the crawlspace, attic, or outside walls, are properly insulated as well to prevent freezing. It’s another worthy investment that will save you money. Insulation costs less than the repairs that will be necessary to fix a burst pipe because of freezing. If you have any exterior faucets, you’ll want to remove any hosing, drain the faucets, and turn off the water supply from inside your home to prevent freezing in these areas as well.

5. Have your gutters cleaned 

If you hate the idea of having to clean out your gutters and keep putting it off, it’s worth having a professional come in and get the job done for you. As the leaves fall in the autumn, they’ll start piling up along with pine needles and other debris over time, increasing the likelihood of your gutters getting clogged if they don’t get properly cleaned before winter hits.

Clean gutters are a must to provide your home with a proper draining system for snow and ice as it melts. Central NY winters are known for their unpredictability, so it’s better to be prepared for unexpected temperature changes and thaws throughout the season.

Looking for more home maintenance tips or home renovation ideas? Contact the experts at McClurg! We’re here to help.